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Meridian Star Article
The October Golden Apple Teacher of the Month is Hannah Carpenter, a 10th-grade English teacher at West Lauderdale. This year is particularly special for her, as she's teaching the same group of students she taught in 8th grade. Reflecting on this, she shared, "I've been able to witness their growth—not just in maturity but also in their reading and writing skills. It's amazing to see them growing into young adults."
Motivating 10th graders, however, is no small feat. "It's a constant challenge," she admits. "There are many students who aren't naturally motivated, so I often have to get creative. Sometimes I'll bribe them with candy, and just yesterday, I brought hot chocolate because they did well on a benchmark test. It's about finding what sparks their interest and sometimes making deals or compromises. It's tough, but it's worth it."
Hannah compares her approach to state testing to that of a coach preparing a team for a championship. "What I do in the classroom is a lot like what Coach Smith does down the hall. My students have to pass a state test to graduate, and for our school to maintain an A accountability rating, they need to show growth. I see that as my state championship every year. Benchmarks are like playoff games, and I analyze stats and data daily, just like a coach would, to make decisions for my students."
Despite the challenges, it's the moments of joy and humor that keep her inspired. "Every day, I look for the funny moments and the joy in what I do. I love coming home with a story to share, something that made me laugh. These students make me smile every single day, and that's one of the reasons I love coming to work."
